AMORPHIS — Skyforger (review)

AMORPHIS — Skyforger album cover Album · 2009 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Skyforger" is the 9th full-length studio album by Finnish metal act Amorphis. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in May 2009. Like the case were on the last couple of albums the lyrics on the album are English translations of Finnish poems based on the "Kalevala" (a collection of Finnish poetry and myths). This time around the focus is on the "Ilmarinen" (a heroic character from the "Kalevala").

The music on the album is unmistakably the sound of Amorphis. Melodic and epic metal with the occasional harder edged moment and some nods toward ethnic folk. It´s now the third album with lead vocalist Tomi Joutsen behind the microphone and he is still a great asset to the band´s sound as a result of his strong voice and the diversity of his vocal delivery. In addition to his clean vocals, he also growls on the tracks "Sampo", "Majestic Beast" and "From Earth I Rose" which is great for the variation of the vocals on the album. The musicianship are excellent throughout though and with a powerful and polished sound production, I´m sure fans of the band are more than content with "Skyforger". There are many great tracks on the album (and a few decent fillers) but a track like "Sky is Mine" has to be given a special mention. It´s the kind of track that makes me feel alive. Great melodic and energetic track that one. The opening track "Sampo" is also worth a mention. Another really strong track.

All in all "Skyforger" is a very professional product and it´s hard to deny that the catchy and memorable songwriting isn´t something really special. This far into their career Amorphis still sound as fresh and hungry for success as they did back in the early nineties when they had their initial breakthrough. "Skyforger" is another proof of that and it´s overall a great listening experience deserving a 3.5 star (70%) rating.
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